Why the MG Midget is the best & most reliable vintage British sportscar you can own. In-depth review

[@itekani]

That's the best version of the Midget IMHO. The best drivetrain and the best looks with the round wheel arches in the back.

[@SirDrifto]

Agreed. I'm a big sucker for the round arches.

[@MilesCobbett]

I had a 73 too.

[@UberLummox]

@@SirDrifto Well so what year is this one? I don't think you said. "67-ish?

[@mgguygardening]

Very nice car! As a 1974.5 MGB owner, I have to agree that these "less expensive" British sports cars can be very reliable as long as you keep up maintenance. And, as you state, price of parts are very reasonable. I have spent little money on mine in the 5 years I've owned it, other than aesthetic upgrades that weren't necessary but I wanted them. Thanks for the video!

[@SirDrifto]

That's a great car choice. Enjoy!

[@richarddamico9894]

My first car was a 1965 Spitfire, after that, I had 14 different Midgets, from a 1971 to a 1977. The 1500 engines were troublesome, the 1295s were the best. Even drove home in a blizzard in Massachusetts, car did not let me down. Enjoy it!

[@Remainunnamed2]

Wait why were the 1500s troublesome? What were some of the problems?

[@richarddamico9894]

Mostly all the emission regulations. Starved the engine. And British Leyland was going through some quality control problems

[@another3997]

The beauty of these old MGs is that they were underpinned by fairly humdrum technologies at the time. The same basic running gear you'd find in Austin's ordinary family cars etc, so whilst not exotic, they were fairly robust, well proven parts. The A series was a little gem. All shoehorned in to a petite sports car and tweaked to make it perform better, to be fun and yet affordable too. Yours is rather lovely... I'm a bit jealous! 😁

[@frglee]

Always nice to see this classic little sports car being well looked after and being well looked after. When I was a kid back in the 70s, there were lots of these on the road in the UK - a popular and fun little car for the rugged individualist of all ages that didn't cost a fortune to buy, run and maintain - many owners did their own servicing as it was pretty simple. Very much a car to take out for a drive just for the pleasure of it on a sunny day, along our undulating and twisting little roads, through the green British countryside maybe to a village pub for lunch somewhere. Sadly like most cars of that era, they rusted away in our climate, especially with road salting in the Winters. But in drier climes they lasted much longer and indeed do make a practical classic car to run, all parts being still available half a century on, and as you note, eminently affordable.

[@BLTV_Photoshop]

In 1969, I bought a used '67 Midget. It was love at first sight. It still is the mot pleasurable car I've ever driven.

[@bethmichaud7321]

👏👏👏so much pleasure within this MG video! My MGB GT 1974 was a keeper for years. A dear friend accidently backed into my MG, with a very large diesel truck. Totaled, years ago. You produced a great video, including your Paw Pal! Thank you, sincerely delighted!

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks for watching!

[@JCisJD]

I had one 30 years ago . And I would totally agree with everything you have said. They really are a good, fun , reliable British classic. As I'm in the UK the rust was an issue but yes a joy to drive 😜. They really do feel quick . And it runs on rails.....

[@patrickhite3026]

I owned two of them..Wonderful, dependable classics..Once had a fuel pump go out between Nashville ( home) & Daytona( home) As luck would have it i had some J.B Weld..& was rolling within the hour...Then there was the engine removal for the clutch replacement( i was 20)..Say what you will MGs & " hippie" vans were my culture & it was the greatest era in history, music to motors..Allman bros to Led Zeppelin, MGs to Ford Econolines & Cadillacs..We really did have it all..🍄

[@patrickhite3026]

That was so nice I'll give myself a thumbs up..

[@snarfusmaximus]

I once lusted after a Triumph TR6 but I ended up getting a 1968 MG Midget. No regrets whatsoever. I've had it now for four years and it always puts a massive grin on my face when I drive it. Every gear change brings a feeling of satisfaction and the sound of the exhaust burbling, popping and farting as I engine brake down a hill is just pure magic!

[@SirDrifto]

I think you made a great choice

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Snarf.... I wanted a Triumph for years,, until my friend bought and restored a TR6 . After I drove it..the best I can say is .. industrial. I will keep my 1963 MGB.

[@Tourist1967]

A Midget would be a hell of a lot cheaper too.

[@racketman2u]

@@jeffhildreth9244 Goodonyer; The MGB is a very stable handling car compared to the TR6, but thats the end of it. The TR6 is faster, better looking , and has a proper woodgrain dashboard; it even sounds better!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@racketman2u I spent hundreds of hours working on my friend's TR6. What an, archaic, absurd, engineering nightmare. It brought back memories when I worked for British Motors of Monterey, Calif 68-72... and worked on these when the local Triumph dealer could not fix them. To each his own. I concur they are good looking but that's where it ends for me. I would rather have a TR 3 than a TR 6. Cheers.

[@joesjunkgarage]

Absolutely one of my favorite MG videos!

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidbarker7030]

I agree it's a great car. I have a '71 Midget (4th owner, I think) and it's easy to work on, easy to recognize issues, and fun to drive. I also keep away from Interstate highways - too terrifying. The defroster doesn't work well, so I avoid driving in the rain. It will rust easily, so I keep it off treated roads. But I'll drive with the top down in freezing weather; I just dress like a skier. And I'm always prepared to wave as if I'm in a parade. Kids and old dudes like me love this car!

[@SirDrifto]

They really are great cars

[@Swampth1ng]

I have a plymouth 4sp muscle car and recently have had an opportunity to look over a 76 mg and the differences between the two are amazing. I immediately started to like the mg when I put the top down, it's roadster style ride is amazing. It runs so smooth like its new. I have to buy this car. I knew it when I drove it. It's definitely a happy feel good sunny day relaxed cruise kinda car and I love it. It's gets alot of attention.

[@SirDrifto]

I think a Plymouth is pretty cool too

[@madalynmcgoun8066]

Thanks for a great video. I just purchased a red 1977 Midget; having it shipped from Maryland to Florida. Can't wait to drive her. My 1st car was an early 64 Sprite, with screw on windows and no door handles. Also, had to completely remove top and frame and store in boot. Really a pain, but I loved that car. So looking forward to driving and enjoying my "new" Midget. PS. You're so right about driving beside a semi. Talk about taking your life in your hands. (Still loved it).

[@donjames5761]

thats a beautiful car. my grand father left me his 72 mg midget i love it so much so unique so cool to drive

[@markcook3570]

Had a 72 Midget in my younger yrs. I now own a Tr-250....Love it....

[@larryayres4592]

I had an MGB, which was reliable. My girlfriend liked it, and before talking to me, bought a midget. Every time it rained she would be calling me up to come and push her stalled car out of a puddle because the idiot who designed it put the distributor half way up the side of the block, on a very low car. I'm told that you can buy a rubber boot to protect the distributor, but she didn't. The fuel pump was also located in a place where it would easily get flooded and stop working. For a car from a country with lots of rain it is amazing that they were late to put roll up windows on sports cars and that they had designed ignition and fuel systems so poorly for their climate. Of all my British sports cars, the XKE and my girlfriends midget were the least reliable. My MGTD, MGB and Healy 3000 were the most reliable.The Healy's were especially robust.

[@Johnnygequinunk]

My first road car was a custom 1967 Midget. It was set up for rally racing. Headers, duel tuned exhaust electric fuel pump , positive traction rear end and extra hella lights and an upgraded stereo for its time. Mine also had a different air cleaner with better intake. I miss that car.

[@rogerking7258]

I have a 1958 Frogeye, which believe it or not is basically the same car. Same underpinnings, engine and transmission. Yes the ones in your Midget are updated versions, and your rear suspension is more sophisticated, but the basic structure is the same. It's really just the external panels that are different. My Frogeye only has 948cc with around 45bhp, but it's significantly lighter than yours due to the absolutely basic interior trim, lack of boot lid, etc, so even that power is more than adequate to keep up with modern traffic to around 75mph.

[@amandafletcher2577]

I have just watched your Video your MG Midget is the Perfect little Sports Car...I live in England near the Essex & Suffolk Coast and always Dreamed of an MG ever since I had a ride in one when I was 19....iam 59 this year and now in a position where my Dream could become 'True'....the White model is Lovely so iam on the Look Out....Thanks for all the info..Happy Driving, Amanda 😊

[@SirDrifto]

You need to get one. Where you live sounds like perfect mg driving

[@MrBluoct]

The panning over to your pup grooving on the ride and the wind was classic

[@ericcriteser4001]

I sure do love my B. Always kinda low-key wanted a Midget. MGs really are great cars.

[@gordonblank6845]

I got T Boned on the drivers side December 7th 1983 in downtown Phoenix. Totaled but I walked away. Sad to see Midget #2 go. I had 2 more over the years. I replaced a wheel bearing in Downtown Salt Lake City. These are so easy to work on. Thanks for the memories.

[@JCisJD]

And I would love to come over and take one across the states and I think you have just inspired me. The round wheel arches are definitely the best!! I had a 1500 , twin SUs. And the engine and carbs never gave me any problems, could pull away easily in second. And yes great MPG

[@SirDrifto]

Please do!

[@dannycar25]

what kind of mpgs??

[@JerryMotorsport]

Totally agree that these cars are such great driver's cars. Love competing in ours! Lovely example and I did laugh when I got your number plate fun. Traction control and ABS provided by driver skill. Same engine as the mini, but not as powerful as the Cooper as MG didn't want the Midget to be faster than their flag-ship MGB. Happy driving!

[@SirDrifto]

Glad you got the plate. They really are drivers cars.

[@DeidresTravelAdventures]

I loved this video! Just a man and his dog enjoying his beautiful British sports car 😊 And I loved seeing it next to the the vintage planes too

[@snapz131964]

I owned a 1972 L reg BBO528L Midget in old English White, I sold it to buy a camera and even though I have had a fantastic career in photography, I absolutely regret ever selling the greatest, most fun, classic, unique, wonderful car I have Ever owned; I still crave for my beautiful baby!!

[@michaelgale2324]

They are really fun to drive. Had one when I was 20 years old . Now drive a 1970 X Hill climb 1275. Bumpers off, roll bar on, power brakes, oil coolers plus a Moss super charger. Very light , very noisy. very quick. However I am sure the doors were bigger on the first one I had 57 years ago! Mike UK.

[@martinwarm4041]

Spot on video..the only unreliable part of any MG 'A series engine' for me personally was the ignition points and condenser. Upgrade to electronic ignition and all good for many miles..👍

[@SirDrifto]

I've dealt with those pain in the butt points haha. I know the feeling.

[@cdjhyoung]

I owned this exact year and model Midget. Loved the car to death. Trouble free? Not by a long shot. Brakes are tiny, but work. But they also have a relatively short life span. Expect to do the brakes about every 15,000 miles. The front calibers are a bear to bleed by yourself, have beer and a friend available when you put them back together. The fuel pump is notorious for failing when most inconvenient. If your are lucky, it will only be a corroded electrical ground. If not, you're going to learn how to rebuild an MG fuel pump. Parts are available. The carb bodies are pot metal and tend to corrode. They can be rebuilt. Keep them in balance, preferably you can find someone with experience to show you how. These cars are small, designed to fit a 1950's sized English young man around town. If your personal dimension are more than 5'7" and 160 lbs, plan on wearing this car, not riding in it. The engine itself is bullet proof. I had mine up to 94 also, but I'm glad I had four open lanes of black top when I did, the car wandered badly at that speed. The Midget offers the most smiles per gallon of any car I've ever touched. If I didn't live in the rust belt, and weigh 250lbs. I'd have another one in heart beat.

[@rob-nb7oc]

I had your car's twin brother, a 1969 Austin-Healey Sprite. I installed a 13' padded leather steering wheel and a Stebro exhaust. It was my first sports car, and I wish I still owned it.

[@jplacroix461]

Love it!!!! absolute beauty. I have a 1275 also which I'm finishing getting sorted. Can't wait to drive it. Nice exhaust note as well.

[@SirDrifto]

What year is yours?

[@jplacroix461]

@@SirDrifto My old English white MKIII Midget is registered as a 1969 but must have been a very late 69 model or early 1970 as it has the split rear bumper like the 1970, but the normal 1969 front bumper and stainless steel grille. It also sports the earlier 1969 heater box setup, but lacks the stainless side trim and bonnet center spear trim seen on earlier MKIII's . I've heard that the factory did occasionally use up available parts on the production line between model year tweaks??? Also mine sports the solid steel disc wheels with dog dish hubcaps. I've been restoring it for the past couple of summers, and just need to bleed the brakes/clutch master, and tune the carbs a bit more for road worthiness. Cheers JP

[@manaphyonfire]

Fantastic video, I have my eyes on a midget myself, as a spring project for the summer. This video may have convinced me to take the leap.

[@SirDrifto]

You can go wrong with a MG :)

[@camoflagedcrap8082]

I’ve been looking at one of these to buy and I think this video just solidified my decision.

[@SirDrifto]

Just did 600 miles with mine.

[@angrybreadbox]

Good to see more on here I have a 71b , 71 midget!

[@paulbryan5685]

I have a 1962 Midget. Got from Stepdad he bought in 74. A blast to drive!! Saving for disc brakes and knock off conversion. Looking to update from 948cc

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation. Very nice Midget. In my opinion I prefer the MGB, it is way better than a Midget! I may be a little bias. :) I have always had a MGB since I was 15. My very first car was a 1967 MGB. A gift from my parent. I presently own 6 fully restored MGBs 68, 71, 79, 79 Limited Edition, 80, 80 Limited Edition. In addition I just started the restoration of a 68 MGC GT.

[@jeremymasterson5818]

My first car was a '63 B. It was 12 years old (only 4 years younger than I was) when I got it and pretty beaten up. wooden floorboards, broken tach and no second gear. Pure joy for $350.00! The absence of a working tach and no 2nd gear led to an early engine change (The B has a really low 1st gear compared to its rather tall 3rd...) This was followed by no less than 5 transmissions and 3 engines (and a tach) over the next couple of years as I learned both my limits as well as that of the B. This set the ground work for the future restoration of a '72 XJ6 and on into a career of car, boat and now antique carriage restorations.

[@americanpatriot2422]

@@jeremymasterson5818 Cool, great experience and story. These cars are a joy to work/tinker with. Most folks don't understand this and call them unreliable and claim you can't get parts. Not for me. Thanks Luis

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

My oldest brother bought a used MGB when he came back from Vietnam. My next older brother bought a 73 Midget, and I bought a 79 Midget. Associating "MG" and "reliable" never occurred to me. The joke about the Mazda Miata is that it's an MG that runs. But, the Midget is a fun car to drive! My brother's was like it was an extension of myself. The 79 had the higher suspension and wasn't the same driving feel.

[@gregberning9743]

I have one similarly modified. Old style steering wheel, tail lights, front turn signals, side marker lights removed, etc. All minor details that enhance the simplicity of the car.👍

[@woodydroneson]

Always loved the MG Midget when I was a young in the UK, the engines are so easy to get running even without specialist equipment and just using ears to get the timing right Lol The SU Carbs just keep the oil level up and replace the needles and valves, set up and good to go :) Love old cars and Manual Gears ;)

[@SirDrifto]

They are a blast to drive.

[@MarksWheels]

Great video! I love my MG and i can see that you do too. Such great little, underestimated cars

[@SirDrifto]

They really are great little cars.

[@AnAmericanCouple]

We have put 40K miles all over the US in our little 73. we started a travel blog about our adventures in it. We recently built a micro teardrop camper to pull behind it instead of tent camping. It's a lot of fun but the 69HP just doesn't cut it in the mountains. We just took it all apart and are converting it to a Miata drivetrain. it has not been easy but hopefully worth it in the long run. I put the "Union Jack" from wish in the same pace as yours. See you on the road! Glenn and Jane An American Couple on KZbin

[@SirDrifto]

That is very cool!

[@erik_dk842]

Heresy

[@mypugsdad5366]

They are good little cars. Parts are easy to get and they are fairly reliable too.

[@SirDrifto]

Very true! 👍

[@feastingvictoria]

Luv the 72 and thats a beauty!! I have a 79 but yours is sweeeet!

[@rustyturner431]

This version of the Midget is THE quintessential small sports car (VERY small), but with decent weather protection and MG's superior quality (as compared to the TR Spitfire). I dunno about taking one cross-country, as you'd need to be a true wind-in-the-face guy and fairly patient, but reliability in a well-maintained car wuld not be a problem. Pity it never got an all-synchro box, but the 1275 is a superior unit to the Triumph 1500, and much more tunable. I traded a guy out of a '67 model that had an alloy head, tubing headers and a single Weber (this was many years ago) and kept the car for almost 4 years as a fun sunny day ride. My daughter learned to drive on it, sparing my more expensive cars from the experience. These days, I'm an old man, so getting in and out of this thing would be a chore, but I do have some fond memories...which is more than I can claim from the two lambo Muiras I owned about the same time.

[@SirDrifto]

Did you like the Muira?

[@Proud_Texan]

I miss my 1975 & 1979 MG Midget, Special edition soooo much. Yeah, they both had electrical issues, but very easy to work on.

[@terrybrown7601]

Looks best with the trunk luggage rack ...I had a green 72 with saddle brown interior in 74 ...my brother ruined the clutch 3 days after I bought it when he slid off a snow covered road into the ditch ....burned the clutch out trying to get the car unstuck ....took weeks to get the parts ...costs abt $300 ... I loved it ...and my brother never drove it again

[@JCisJD]

And I would love to come over and take one across the states and I think you have just inspired me. The round wheel arches are definitely the best!!

[@SirDrifto]

Wonderful!

[@malcolmh5736]

Beautiful MG! Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m seriously considering getting my 1st MGB potentially somewhat soon, if I can find a good match. I was looking at a 1980 MGB limited edition with only 26k miles and an other one is a 1980 Vamillion Orange in absolute mint condition with only 10k miles on it but that one is expensive but we’ll see. Oh, and I HATE when anyone slams my car door! I feel you!

[@SirDrifto]

you really can't go wrong with an MGB

[@mbrant4973]

Love my '77 B as well. So many talk about the difference in the rubber bumper vs. chrome bumper. I personally like the rubber bumper, but love Sir Driftos split chrome bumper which I believe was only available one year on the B

[@mentonish]

Happy memories, my first car mg midget 1966, not fast but what a fun car.

[@SirDrifto]

They really are a blast to drive

[@DjNikGnashers]

I worked for a classic car parts business, and dealt with hundreds of customers each week, who owned MG's, Triumphs, Rovers, Land Rovers, Jaguars, Range Rovers, Austin, etc. None of the MG's or Triumphs were any better than any other, it's all down to how they are cared for and maintained. MG midgets, MGB's F/TF, Triumph TR2/3/4/5/6/7 Stag, Spitfire, GT6, dolomite, toledo, Herald, vitesse, 2000 all had their own pro's and cons, none were perfect.

[@Compo67]

Love Nugget the dog. Especially when the MG gets a speed up!😁

[@SirDrifto]

He likes to go fast 🤣

[@jamesodwyer1631]

It's beautiful and has a lot of understated class

[@jeremymasterson5818]

I enjoyed your video. Great car in beautiful condition. About the only "con" I could add is that, as a person over 6 feet tall, I simply don't fit comfortably in it. I had a '63 MGB which was very roomy by comparison. In the time I owned my B I spent a considerable amount of time scrounging through junk yards for parts. I encountered an inordinate number of similar cars (Midgets, B's, TR4's, even the odd Datsun 1600) wherein the previous owners had shoe-horned in a small block V8. Undoubtedly this would have made them into a pocket rocket of some capability but invariably, the reason they were in the scrap heap was a very deep "U" shaped crumple in the front end. The added weight to the front end had spoiled the handling just as much as the added horsepower had increased the top speed. The result was catastrophic understeer leading to shunts off into the trees or utility poles. As you have pointed out, the weight, horsepower, gearing and suspension of these cars were so well balanced as to provide a great driving experience.

[@SirDrifto]

I should do a video series "will they fit" and its just tall people trying to fit in small cars 🤣

[@jeremymasterson5818]

@@SirDrifto I was disappointed to find i couldn't fit into a Mazda Miata either. The top of the windshield frame is right in my line of view even with the seat fully set to the rear. I had an uncomfortable experience with a Midget one winter. It was driven regularly by the secretary to the BL dealership where I was working. She was under 5' tall. I had to move her car once in the middle of winter (top up of course) Without thinking ahead, I dropped down into the driver's seat wearing my outdoor gear and winter boots. I found myself so tightly wedged into the car that I couldn't reach the seat travel bar under the front of the seat. I struggled for some minutes until I could reach the door lever to open the door again giving me a little more space to reach under the seat. The only other time I felt so claustrophobic in a car was in Super 7 replica with the roof up.

[@SONOFADBAG]

Would these be very comfortable for a heavier set but not very tall person?

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

Well the two issues that plagued these is rust and electrical gremlins. If you get a rust free example and sort the electricals, there is very little to actually go wrong.

[@lightowler111]

Nice car and great roads to drive her on , that steering wheel looks like its from an earlier model. I have a 73 RWA

[@SirDrifto]

Good eye it sure is. And thank you. What color is your 73

[@lightowler111]

@@SirDrifto Mines Red, love the wire wheels wish I had them on mine. if you parked next to a Ferrari you would get more looks and smiles cheers

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

Totally WRONG = 1968 MGB Mk 2 5 main bearing all syncro overdrive ! convertible of course - i worked in a MG work shop many years and they are top quality cars !

[@dannycar25]

what's the most common job you've seen there?

[@eltonlovell9898]

Had 3 of the later midgets - great fun to drive!

[@SirDrifto]

Like a go kart!

[@Learnmoretoday59]

The white exterior paint looks great. Nice car.

[@SirDrifto]

Thank you! I try and wax it regularly 👍

[@MrSubielove]

The natural habitat of this car is the british back road with lots of twistees. Or in a u.s. chill town. Great machine i'd own one if i can afford one and it will be my daily.

[@adoreslaurel]

I used to have an MGB [for 10 years] but after driving my cousins Midget, i found it a more enjoyable car to drive.

[@rayjvify]

Dittos !

[@thehendohammer]

Just got my first Midget! I'm 6' 2" new steering wheel is the first.

[@MilesBorg]

My dad's first car was a whiet MG midget. Mine was a white classic mini. The more time passes the more I regret not finding one of these instead.

[@novaprime9394]

I actually own a 1969 mg midget with a 1275cc engine and currently working on getting it road ready again

[@80sDweeb]

The Midget and the MGB are epic sports cars.

[@dontevenworyboutit]

Holly cow 94mph u must have been over 7 grand on the tack man ur crazy

[@erichaskell]

I owned a 67 Sprite in 1967 and on long enough straight roads I would hold the gas pedal down which would eventually peg the tachometer and speedometer which was how fast? Never knew but the front "felt" so light I thought I could turn the wheel and nothing would happen. I was not quite that stupid. Not quite. The car was very trashed by 19,000 miles, entered the military in 1969, left it to my Dad to wholesale. Never, ever wanted another.

[@mrmark8603]

I love Midgets. I have an MGB, but miss my Midget.

[@dtruth5769]

Great video. Thanks. Looking to buy one. Are any years better than others? Any specifics to check out when buying one?

[@notwocdivad]

There are still Auto races in the UK for cars using the BMC (British Motor Corporation) A Series engine, Usually the 1275 but bored out to around 1380cc, Look on KZbin for GOODWOOD REVIVAL or The WESTLAKE CUP

[@SirDrifto]

That sounds incredible 🤘

[@haroldkreye8770]

Magnificent body lines.

[@SirDrifto]

Agreed!!

[@stevehayward1854]

I have owned a few and many other cars with the same engine and believe me, I wouldnt go on a long run without a tow truck following behind

[@beliver468]

Nice video..I just bought a72 .. what type of fuel do you recommend? Reg, leaded, unleaded ?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Excellent video. Currently helping a friend refurb a Midget.. similar to yours with the full arch rear wheel wells. We will be installing a completely overhauled , pumped up 1275 with a NISSAN 5 speed gear box. Yours appears to be a 1970 with the split rear bumpers. Congrats on keeping the SU carbs, most reliable and simple carb yet made. Fools install the downdraft Weber.. never. Inappropriate.. and inefficient and a real pain to dial in. They are not plug and play though advertised and sold that way. A waste of money, image before substance. Yuppie junk.. looks good and doesn't work. Cool exhaust, very nice interior exterior, ... and a sensible daily driver. The 1275 is the best engine of the 948, 1098, 1275 series. .. the 1500 was a Triumph Spitfire smog motor... avoid.

[@SirDrifto]

I bet that 5 speed will be a dream

[@erik_dk842]

Nissan built both A and B series engines under license and improved them. The days when you could find good Japanese rear wheel drive gearboxes at any junkyard are long gone, and any modern rear wheel drive gearbox is much too big for a Midget.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@erik_dk842 Well aware of both, engine in boneyards and A and B motors under license. Been at this since 1964. Have owned 130 cars 30 of which were British. Spent many years working at an official BMC dealership in the 60s and 70s. We were the agents for Rolls, Bentley, Jag, Aston ,Austin, Mini Cooper, Morris, Lotus, MG, etc. .3 professional decades in the biz to include Serv Mgr Mazda Honda dealership 4 years..etc. Parts and Service Director for 2 Nissan dealerships (simultaneously)East Bay SF Cal. Factory rep (District Mgr) Mazda Mtrs Am. 1976-1983 Nor Cal Nev Utah, , Factory rep (Field Service Mgr Nor Cal) Mercedes-Benz of No Am. , Field Mgmnt Training Mgr BMW of No America, same later for Volvo.

[@noscwoh1]

All true, but if you have the US version of the 1500 with a Stromberg, the Weber conversion makes sense. The Nissan 5 speed is getting rare, but a Laycock overdrive fits (barely) with a little bit of tunnel tweaking. I loved my Midget.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

US 1500 is Spitfire garbage. Not even worth installing a Weber.

[@RobertLevitPhD]

Had a new one in 1970. Had a lot of cars since then, but maybe I will buy a refurbished one as my "last car".

[@StanleyZurawski]

I'm looking to buy one this summer and you just fucking inspired me so much

[@freddyloper813]

Beautiful car in White.Theirs a beautiful green 75 on the market here for 7500. What's gas mileage like? My Dad had a spitfire all growing up so it would be fun to own this.

[@SirDrifto]

The 1275 gets amazing mileage. Around 35mpgs

[@davidsnipes7297]

Nice video. One question, how tall can a guy be and still fit in this car? I'm 6'-2" 34" leg... I can't find anyone that shows or illustrates the leg room ... thx.

[@SirDrifto]

I’ll do a video on that!

[@simonbarker2567]

Looks awesome! Enjoy it!

[@SirDrifto]

It's been an awesome car

[@juliagratacosicamos5054]

I have eyes on one!, to go to the Amalfi Coast, my question is: how many miles till the tank is empty? Good video btw!

[@SirDrifto]

Thank you. I get about 34mpg on the highway with mine

[@douglasgreen437]

There is a company in the UK that makes a kit to convert the engine to a twin cam using a used BMW K1200 motorcycle head...

[@markbeard518]

That is one cool dog!

[@SirDrifto]

He really is

[@johnhpianoman]

Fair play getting it to 94mph 😂 got mine to 91, terrifying!

[@SirDrifto]

Things move by quite fast at those speeds lol

[@jeremymasterson5818]

Top up for highest top speeds!

[@racketman2u]

I loved my Spridget, they are a lot of fun to drive, but it was a) cramped, and b) underpowered. My Brit car of choice would be a Triumph GT6 with a TR6 engine in it, faster, smoother, roomier. The trouble is I know I'd have to rebuild the rear with Datsun diff and driveshafts, because all the Triumphs have weak transmissions.

[@starzanhorse4758]

SU carbs are killer! Have one on my Harley. I’m buying a 75 midget

[@SirDrifto]

Great carbs!

[@johnmohanmusic]

I am curious about your license plate! I have never seen a "USA" license plate. What's that about??? By the way, I had a 1974 Midget I bought in early Spring 1979. I wish I still had it!

[@tyronemar]

Fok!! Now I want one. Nice ride.

[@andrewwhenkel]

Love the video... I need this headlight/Foglight setup for my MGB..... any referrals would be appreciated

[@SirDrifto]

I ebayed a pair of vintage fog lights. $30

[@johnwdavisjr]

I don't have a garage, should I own one?

[@MilesCobbett]

The MG motto Safety Fast

[@wesley115777]

Hmm, I notice you made that acceleration run on a downhill bit of road . . .

[@timrobinson2984]

glad you love it

[@powellmountainmike8853]

I have to disagree. I think that the Triumph Spitfire, especially the Mk 4 was the best classic British sports car. It is much easier to work on since the whole bonnet (hood) includes the fenders and front, and opens to give unfettered access to the engine and front suspension. The 4 wheel independent suspension also gives excellent handling. Finally, where the MG Midget is a unibody, the Triumph is actually body on frame construction. Both cars are made with older British steel which has a terrible tendency to rust, even worse than American car steel of the period, so actually having a frame is a plus.

[@vyyshnavrajesh2833]

do you think its a good first car???

[@SirDrifto]

If you're mildly mechanical yes.

[@vyyshnavrajesh2833]

@@SirDrifto right thank you

[@chrisevans8308]

I love my 72.

[@chrisevans8308]

I bought a 72 2 yrs ago. ( my father had them when I was growing up) I’m staring to daily drive it however it’s not prefect but don’t look to bad. I found a 73 on market place that’s completely disassembled the body is sandblasted down and primer and is in perfect condition. $1500 if I only had a place to store it and work on it.

[@MilesCobbett]

It can do a u-turn in a 30 ft wode street :)

[@adoreslaurel]

If a later model had a 1500 engine then I would think it would have to be anMGA block, I dont think that block could have gone fro m approx 948 cc to 1500 cc., not sure how the diff would handle it. from personal experience breaking axles with a Morrisc major, which had basically a Morris minor rear axle.

[@SirDrifto]

I’m not too knowledgeable on the 1500s

[@kevinsheahan5449]

The 1500 engine was from Triumph brand part of British Leyland, very different to the A & B series engines previously used by MG.

[@adoreslaurel]

@@kevinsheahan5449 Thanks for that.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@SirDrifto Spitfire smog motor, avoid at all costs.

[@garethgoodchild2643]

Very nice car. That muffler system sounds great.

[@Estebanserrano96]

Sweet ride!

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks!

[@jasonbannan4024]

In college, 1974-78, I had a 1972 blue MG midget. I miss that car. Lived every day in it. However, it was not that reliable. Lol

[@SirDrifto]

thats a great college car, what motor did you have, 1800?

[@jasonbannan4024]

@@SirDrifto I think it was the 1275cc.

[@MarcelaR-dh1ok]

Purchased one new in 76...3500$, and another in 79...check the gas and fill the oil